Why your greens are getting eaten (and what to do about it)
If your kale is full of holes and looks like someone’s been using it for target practice — you’re not alone.
Bugs love kale. And the moment you plant it, they show up like they got the invite. But here’s the thing no one tells you: it’s not always about the bugs. Sometimes, it’s about the conditions you unknowingly created that rolled out the red carpet for them.
So today, let’s test a theory. Not with sprays or pest charts. Just one small change to see what happens next.
👀 First, here’s what’s probably going on:
You planted in full sun, but the weather’s already heating up
The plant is stressed — which is bug bait
You may be overwatering (or underwatering), weakening the leaf tissue
You haven’t been checking the underside of the leaves — where most pests throw their parties
🧪 Try this:
Step 1: Snip off the most damaged leaves. You’re not going to save them, and leaving them can attract more bugs.
Step 2: Observe. Gently flip leaves every couple days and look for tiny caterpillars, eggs, or clusters of dots.
Step 3: Give your kale a break from direct afternoon sun. Try replanting in partial shade or behind a taller crop like tomatoes or okra.
Bonus: Toss a lightweight row cover on top for a week. You’d be shocked how much that alone can do.
💡 What this reveals:
If the new leaves start growing without holes, you’ve just learned something powerful — pests are symptoms, not root causes. Your garden health is in your hands.
🪴 And here’s the truth:
You can learn how to grow leafy greens that don’t get devoured every time. You just need the right setup, a little rhythm, and to know how to read the signs.
That’s what we cover inside Green Thumb Activation — starting with how to choose the right plants, support their immune systems (yes, plants have one), and get ahead of pest problems without going to war every day.
The Garden Lab is where you try the idea.
Green Thumb Activation is where you turn it into a skill.
Want to actually know what you’re doing out there? Green Thumb Activation is my online, go-at-your-own-pace course to help you grow food without second-guessing.
Learn more HERE
